Department of Energy May 4, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA or the Act), the Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) is proposing to define the term ``household'' and related terms. These definitions would provide a basis for the Department to determine whether the household energy use of products not currently covered by EPCA meets the levels required for DOE to classify a product as a ``covered product'' under the Act; such a classification would mean that DOE potentially could establish energy conservation requirements for the covered product. Once the ``household'' definition is in place, the Secretary may exercise statutory authority to (1) classify as covered products additional qualifying consumer products beyond the products already specified in EPCA, and then (2) set test procedures and efficiency standards for them.